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CSUf News Service

Titan Student Union Expansion Approved

Oct. 1, 2013

Pictured is an architectural rendering of the proposed expansion of the southeast side of the Titan Student Union. The California State University Board of Trustees recently approved the $20 million project that will be funded completely by existing cash reserves from the student union and Associated Students Inc.

Cal State Fullerton has been given the green light to proceed with an expansion of the Titan Student Union that will radically change the face of the 37-year-old building.

The California State University Board of Trustees approved the $20 million project at last week's meeting. The expansion will be funded by existing cash reserves from the facility and Associated Students, Inc.

"The TSU was built in 1976 with 70,000 square feet to support a student population of 21,500. There was a subsequent expansion in 1992 when our student population was about 24,400," said Kurt Borsting, director of Titan student centers. "This project will expand this important University facility — currently 140,000 square feet — and also will include renovation of existing space, primarily on the second floor, to address space and service needs.

"The TSU serves as a primary gathering place for the campus community and visitors to the University," he continued. "It houses a variety of programs and services, including conference and meeting space, food services, lounge and study spaces, and recreational and leisure offerings."

Planning for the expansion began two years ago and Borsting anticipates that the design phase will take an additional 18 to 24 months.

Specifically, the project's scope is expected to include the following primary elements:

Extend the facility by approximately 20,000 to 25,000 sq. ft. in new construction, creating a new signature entry and lounge spaces for the student union;

Modernize and improve approximately 24,000 sq. ft. of existing space on the second floor of the facility, upgrade and reorganize various office space, public use facilities, such as conference and meeting rooms, and open spaces; and

"This demonstrates prudent stewardship of student funds and putting those funds to good use," said Rohullah Latif, ASI president. "We want to serve the campus in response to the current and future needs of the student body."

"The approval by the CSU Board of Trustees is one of the important first steps in the process," said Jay Bond, associate vice president for facilities planning and management. "As we move into the next phases, we will work closely with ASI and a design-build team to plan and ultimately build this exciting project. It will allow the TSU to serve our students even better for decades to come."